Glass fibre rods provide impact protection for Adizero

04/01/2024
Glass fibre rods provide impact protection for Adizero
Sports brand Adidas has updated its latest Adizero with a double layer of Lightstrike Pro foam and reimagined Energyrods 2.0 to provide cushioned propulsion.

The Adizero Takumi Sen 10 is built specifically for 5-10k distances and benefits from a series of technological updates from its predecessor.

The rods in the midsole are made from partly recycled glass fibre. Previous iterations of the Takumi Sen offered a combination of a carbon plate in the heel and separated carbon-infused rods in the forefoot, mirroring the shape of the metatarsal bones in the feet. 

Glass fibre is more flexible than carbon, crucial for navigating tight corners of 5-10K road races and enduring the high impact experienced from running fast on hard ground, said adidas.

Prototypes were tested in Kenya and Ethiopia with elite male and female adidas athletes to gather feedback and inform the development of the new model.

Moritz Hoellmueller, vice-president of design for running at adidas, commented: “Racing these distances on the road has a high impact on the body, which increases when running at high speeds, so runners require a propulsive yet cushioned shoe to support their feet. From a reduced upper construction made from 100% recycled polyester, to a more flexible and lower profile tooling, and increased grip on the outsole for navigating tight corners – every detail of the Adizero Takumi Sen 10 is built for fast road racing.”